Текст книги "Dragonfly"

Автор книги: Julia Golding

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However, unlike him, I see the necessity and would like to offer you all assistance. Is there

anything you require? I will give orders for packs of supplies to be made up. You leave as you

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came with your two horses?"

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"And a mount, if I may beg one for myself. I do not wish to be a burden on my companions."

"Consider it done. Anything else?"

Tashi held her arms out, displaying her finery. "I was once told that you needed suitable clothes to ride a horse. Would you be able to find me something more practical?"

"We should disguise ourselves," Ramil added, stepping forward to take part in the discussion. He had been silent during the scene with Merl, fiercely happy to see his rival rejected by Tashi. "1

think it best if I maintain my character as a mercenary from the south. Perhaps the Princess may

condescend to take the part of my sister and dress accordingly."

Tashi wondered since when Ramil had felt the need to ask her to

"condescend" to anything, but his idea was a good one.

"I would be happy to, sir, if such dress can be found," she replied with equal formality.

"And Gordoc here, if he wouldn't mind the indignity, could travel as our slave bodyguard. The

desert dwellers are known to keep slaves like most of the people in those parts."

"Mind?" rumbled the giant. "Old Gordoc's skin is too thick to take offense. I'll be your slave, 238

master." He thumped Ramil on the back, making him stagger.

"I will see to the disguises," said Nerul. "I suggest you get your rest, that is if you keep to your intention to ride at first light?"

"I do," said Tashi. "Time is running out."

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"I will send messages ahead of you. If you would care to eat with me before you leave, I will give you as much advice as I can, maps too if I can find some suitable."

"Thank you, Your Grace."

Tashi dismissed them all with a bow. The three men retired from the room.

No sooner had Gordoc got Ramil alone than he dug him in the ribs. "Now you should be happy,

young pup: she sent him packing and you have her to yourself again, just like old times."

"This isn't about her and me, Gordoc. This is state business," Ramil said stiffly.

"Go on, admit that you're pleased." Gordoc whistled to the crescent moon cheerfully.

Ramil met his friend's grin and broke into a smile. "All right, I'm pleased. For some mad reason, I'd prefer to be heading into danger with Tashi than leaving her to sit anywhere within a mile of

Merl ac Moilinder."

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"I knew it." The giant chuckled. "I knew it!"

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Chapter 13

Seamstresses worked through the night to make Tashi and Ramil the long flowing robes of the

Southern people. Tashi woke to find hers hanging on the screen in her chamber–a loose purple

gown with a veil that covered her face with only a gauze to allow her to see. It was designed for

protection against the fierce sandstorms of the desert, but it suited her purposes perfectly here

in the cold north. Wearing a pair of long leather gloves, she would be completely hidden.

Having completed her rituals, she arrived at breakfast to find the table more crowded than she

had expected. In addition to Nerul, a chastened Merl, Ramil and Gordoc were Professor Norling,

Melletin, and the dark-haired woman Tashi had once glimpsed on the practice fields. The men

rose on her entrance. Nerul conducted her to the chair at his right hand.

"The robes are perfect," Tashi said, more like her old self than the formal Fourth Crown Princess of the last few days. "Please thank those who made them."

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"My wife and her sisters were only too pleased to help." Professor Norling beamed.

Nerul passed Tashi a cup of hot kava. "I have given thought overnight to your travels and have

some suggestions to make. The first is that you should take one of my people with you as a

guide, at least for the part of the road that lies through Kandar. Melletin has volunteered. He

says he owes you for the lesson you taught him on your first meeting."

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Tashi furrowed her brow. "What lesson was that?"

Melletin grinned and touched his forehead. "To wear a helmet when attacking strangers."

Nerul smiled. "And if you would also accept the company of Yelena here, you will find she is

most surprisingly accomplished in all matters regarding fighting."

Tashi remembered seeing the woman dump a much larger man in the dust so had no trouble

believing him.

"I would be grateful to have the female companionship."

"And finally, our good professor has an errand in the Holtish capital, Tigral. If you would not

mind including him in your party, it would save me sending another fighter away with him."

"Of course I would be delighted to have his company too, but would that not make our party

suspiciously large?" asked Tashi.

Professor Norling shook his head. "I have thought of that, my dear. Melletin and Yelena will

travel as man

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and wife, and will join us as chance acquaintances met on the road. That means it will be

possible for them to travel ahead and check what lies before us where necessary. As for myself, I

will be travelling on the invitation of the Horse Follower mercenary here to study medicine

among his people." His eyes took on a distant longing. "Actually, that's something I've always wanted to do. It is a shame there is no time."

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"No, Tadex," Nerul said with a fond look at the old man, "I need you to contact the network in Tigral. We have to know what steps Fergox is taking to protect his supply chain." He turned back

to Tashi. "I thought this best because Fergox is still looking for you and knows that three are

travelling together. Like this the pattern is confused. You can rearrange your party, arriving in

different combinations at the settlements along the way, confusing any reports that might be

sent back to him."

"I've also had my best students forge you some papers," Professor Norling added. "Passports and other supporting documents, that's if we meet a soldier able to read. Shocking lack of

education throughout the Empire these days!" He subsided into a mutter of complaint.

"You seem to have thought of everything," said Tashi. "I am very grateful."

"Though I would wish to help you in any case, Your Highness," Nerul explained, "you are also an investment for us. If you can bring your country into this war now before it is too late for the

East, then we

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might be able to turn the tide against Fergox and begin to reclaim our lands from him."

"I'll drink to that, Your Grace," Tashi replied, raising her cup to his.

The horses were saddled and ready for them outside the tent. Thunder was looking eager for

the adventure and in excellent condition, well groomed and fed. The Inkar's warhorse, named

Snowy by Gordoc, seemed more resigned, perhaps because he anticipated many weary miles

carrying more weight than all the other mounts. Melletin's horse was a chestnut gelding, several

hands smaller than the warhorses but matching them in fighting spirit. The mare Tashi had

ridden was also waiting, as well as three more sturdy beasts, one loaded with the extra bags.

From the cases of scientific instruments peeping out from among the food supplies, Tashi

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guessed that Professor Norling did not understand the concept of travelling light.

After the scene the night before, Tashi had not been expecting to escape without exchanging a

few words with Merl, so she was prepared when he arrived at her side to help her mount.

"I apologize for my behavior yesterday," he said in a low voice. "I have suffered a sleepless night in bitter repentance."

"Then I forgive you, sir," Tashi replied, assuming her most regal air.

"I was serious when I said that I wanted you by my

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side always. If our destiny allows us to meet again, I hope you will give me the opportunity to

prove my sincerity."

Will he not take "no" for an answer? she wondered, secretly irritated by his persistence.

"Sir, 1 wish you and your brother all good fortune in your struggle, but do not look to such a

time. I pray that you find your happiness here with someone else. 1 can offer you no hope."

"Then I will wait without hope, because I must."

With a final farewell to Nerul, the party headed out on the paths winding across the Fens. Tashi

nudged her horse in line behind Melletin, trying not to think too much about what lay ahead,

nor worry about the suitor she had left behind. Her inexperience as a rider helped as she spent

so much time concentrating on her mare, Flake, that she forgot to fret. For some miles, they

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rode in silence through the freezing mist, each absorbed in his or her own thoughts. The cold

was penetrating. Tashi had to keep flexing her fingers to stop them from turning to ice. Finally,

Melletin signalled a halt in a clump of willows.

"This is a good spot–the last shelter before we reach the main north-south road."

Immediately, Ramil was at Tashi's stirrup to help her dismount but then walked back to tend to

his own mount. Tashi chewed her lip, wondering how they could break this awkwardness

between them. Before she could think of anything, Yelena came up to her and touched her

discreetly on the shoulder.

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"Your Highness, there's a place where you and I can go if you would like a private bush."

"Thank you." Tashi followed the Brigardian woman off the path and into the rushes. "But you must call me Tashi, Yelena," she called to the warrior's straight back.

The woman turned and grinned. Her front tooth was chipped, giving her a roguish look, and her

blue eyes sparkled with mischief. "That's good. I was worried you were going to be all stuck-up

and formal with me."

"No, that's only for the men," Tashi admitted, jumping over a streamlet.

Yelena yelped with laughter.

"I never feel more foreign than when trying to understand them," Tashi confessed.

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"Join the rest of us, sister. They are strange creatures. No wonder your people put their women

in charge. I've often thought things would've been different if men like Fergox had been kept in

their place."

"Ah yes, but then you'd have women like the Inkar running things. She is formidable."

"True. I had forgot her." Yelena showed Tashi a clear place on the bank to wash. "But you speak as if you've seen her."

"I have. And Ramil even danced with her."

"You are joking?"

Yelena found the idea of this so hilarious that she roared with laughter and had trouble

standing. She still had not calmed down when they returned to the men, causing the others to

exchange quizzical looks.

"What's so funny, Yelena?" asked Melletin.

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She shook her head, with not enough breath to string two words together.

"Women!" Ramil muttered to Gordoc, though his eyes were on Tashi who was caressing Flake

with a secretive smile on her lips.

The travellers split up when they reached the main road. Melletin and Yelena were to scout

ahead and ride back if there was trouble; otherwise they arranged to meet at the Yellow Dog, an

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inn on the border with Kandar.

"You have to be careful at the inn," Melletin warned. "The landlord is no friend to the resistance and a great enthusiast for the Empire. He's done very well by Fergox with all this traffic on the

roads north."

"Is there nowhere else to stay?" Ramil asked.

"Why yes, indeed, but it is the last place Fergox's men would be looking for fugitives. If you

brazen it out in the taproom there, they will hardly notice you.

But ask for a private room for your giant and the lady. They will attract more attention and

should keep out of the public areas. Yelena and I will fall in with you as if by chance. Professor

Norling, I trust you will ensure they do not go astray?"

The professor flapped him away with his hand. "Of course, Melletin. I was travelling these roads

before you were born."

The two fighters rode off on their hardy horses, urging them through the ice-covered ruts in the

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churned-up road. Tashi drew her veil over her face, now seeing the world through purple gauze.

On the wider path, the four riders fell into pairs.

Norling dropped behind with Gordoc and began to quiz him on his fitness regime, probing the

secret of the man's exceptional strength. Ramil rode with Tashi, though he sat high above her,

awkward for talking.

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"Here, slacken the reins a little. Flake's mouth is tender and she's not comfortable," he said, noticing the mare fretting.

Tashi did as instructed, keeping her counsel behind the veil.

"You're doing well, for a beginner," he added, trying to strike upon a neutral subject.

"Yes, that is surprising, considering my teachers," she replied coolly.

Ramil believed himself reprimanded. They rode on in silence.

"I'm sorry about what I said to you the other night," he said at length, knowing the words had to be spoken sooner or later. "I should've realized that you and Merl weren't ..."

"Yes?"

"Well, that you weren't."

"That is very well explained, Ram." She laughed. The sound made his stomach flip over. "And I'd like to thank you for the flower."

"Did you like it?" He wanted to ask if he had finally got something right.

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"I'm afraid I sat on it." Her shoulders were shaking. He wondered for a moment what was so

funny, then realized she was thinking of the dragonfly.

He joined in good-humoredly. "I'm afraid our love tokens are doomed."

That brought her up short. "Love token?" She glanced up at him, her eyes glinting through the veil.

He looked down at his hands. "Why? What did you think it was?"

"I didn't know. You'd just told me I made you feel bad."

"But you said that Blue Crescent men present them to their ladies."

"You listened to me? I mean, you were trying to be . . . ?" She floundered for a word.

"Sensitive. Yes, I, Ramil ac Burinholt, obviously well known for my cultural diplomacy, was

attempting to be the ideal lover."

"But you don't like me . . . not like that!" Tashi protested. Her mind was trying to catch up with this new information. "Or are you merely trying to reopen negotiations on a marriage alliance?"

she asked suspiciously. "Because if you are, I was going to argue with my sisters that they should offer our navy without that. I wouldn't want you to be yoked to someone you can't be happy

with."

"Tashi, look at me."

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"I am."

"But I can't see you through that veil."

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"Then you'll just have to trust me."

Ramil smiled. "I wanted to give you the flower just as a boy would give a girl a present–not

because you are a princess, or an ally, or for any of those reasons. It came with no conditions, no

schemes, except perhaps the hope that you might like me just a little better."

"Then I accept it and thank you." Tashi felt a burst of happiness. She'd got it al wrong: he did like her.

"So what's next?" asked Ramil, feeling very pleased with himself.

"How do you mean?"

"What should a boy do now?"

"On the Islands, you'd write a poem in praise of my eyebrow," Tashi said teasingly. "Around here, you'd kiss me." She spurred her pony forward, leaving him wondering.

The Yellow Dog was a prosperous half-timbered thatched house

strategically placed at the bridge over the river that formed the boundary with Kandar. As they

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rode up at dusk, the mullion windows on the ground floor streamed with light, indicating that

the place was already bustling with visitors. Gordoc and Professor Norling took charge of the

horses while Ramil negotiated for a private room for "his sister" to dine. The landlord was a fat, bald man with a sharp expression, his gaze flicking from side to side as he bargained, keeping an

eye on the doings in the taproom. Ramil glimpsed Melletin and Yelena at a table, already

embarked upon

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supper, but they made no sign that they knew the newcomers.

"You can have the room down the corridor, sir," the landlord said. "Though we're going to be pressed to find you a bed tonight. This lady–you say she's your sister?"

"Yes." Ramil adopted the superior air and the guttural accent of the Southerners.

"She'll have to share with someone, as will you, sir, with that old fellow you came in with. I'll see what I can do. A couple arrived just ahead of you.

Perhaps I can sort something out with the lady."

"That would be acceptable."

"Your servant will have to make do with the barn."

"He will be happy with whatever I tell him to do."

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"You know best, sir. Now I'll see to your supper."

Leaving them alone in front of the fire in the little sitting room, the innkeeper bustled out,

shouting orders to his staff as he closed the door. Tashi reached to remove her veil, but Ramil

shook his head and put his finger to his lips. He strode to the door and opened it suddenly,

revealing the innkeeper bent double on the other side. Ramil pretended not to notice the man's

odd posture.

"Where is my slave?" Ramil snapped.

"I'll send him to you directly, sir," the innkeeper said in a wheedling tone, backing away.

Ramil closed the door and sat down beside Tashi at the table.

"Sorry, but you'll have to stay covered," he whispered.

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"We've heard he's Fergox's man. No doubt he's paid to spy on travellers."

"Oh well." Tashi sighed. "I rather like this veil. It allows me to be more myself somehow. I don't have to worry about what anyone's thinking."

"But that's exactly why I hate it. I've no idea what's going on under there."

The innkeeper soon returned with the supper on a tray, Gordoc behind him with the bags.

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"Where is the doctor?" asked Ramil brusquely.

"He fell into conversation with some people, sir," Gordoc said, rather overdoing his performance by tugging his forelock. "Told you to eat without him. I'm to have mine in the kitchen."

"Off you go. But don't forget to clean my boots before you go to bed!"

Gordoc winked at Tashi as he left.

The innkeeper served a hearty supper of meat, cheese, and bread, washed down with ale. He

watched bemused as Tashi's share disappeared under her veil.

"My sister is in mourning, sir," Ramil said, meeting his look. "Her husband served with me in the army but died at Midwinter."

"Beg your pardon, ma'am," the innkeeper said obsequiously. "My sympathy for your loss. But you, sir, you fought for the great Spearthrower?"

"Yes. I was part of the garrison at Felixholt. Too cold for my liking."

The innkeeper leant against the mantelpiece, settling

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in for a good chat. "So you were there when the witch escaped then?"

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"Indeed I was, to my great sorrow. My sister's husband was killed when that woman fled."

The innkeeper spat on the hearth. "Curse the demon. What was she like?"

"Ugliest girl you've ever seen." Ramil reached under the table and took Tashi's hand. "Glaring eyes like hot coals: Hair all stringy and colorless–not natural. Smelt of brimstone."

"Aye, that's what the others are saying. They can't find her–they think she's fled into Gerfal by now, but Lord Fergox says he's going to root her out and see she doesn't bewitch any more with

her spells." He shook his head. "If I were Gerfal, I'd throw her back into the sea where she came from. She'll bring them nothing but bad luck."

"But bad luck for Gerfal is good luck for us, no?" Ramil suggested.

The innkeeper chuckled. "I suppose you're right, sir. Just ring if you need anything else."

Ramil sighed with relief when the talkative landlord finally decided to go, but he didn't get very

far with his supper before Tashi swatted him in the stomach.

"Hot coals? Stringy hair?"

He laughed. "Shh! You know I was only saying what I had to say in front of him."

"But those words occurred to you–you must have thought them!"

Ramil scratched his head, knowing that he was probably damned whatever he said now.

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"Well, your eyes can blaze when they're angry. I bet they're blazing now.

And compared to us, your hair is pale–not that it doesn't have a most wonderful color. Um . . .

stringy–well, you had been in prison for a while."

"Ram!"

"But you always looked beautiful to me." He put his arm around her. "May I?"

he asked.

She nodded, wondering what he was going to do.

He leant forward and sniffed. "Not a hint of brimstone. Just mud and horses."

"What!"

"But I like horses."

"Ram, if you were thinking of making more attempts at winning my affections, I don't think this

is the recommended practice in any part of the known world."

"So I still have a chance?" He pulled her snugly against him so she fitted in the crook of his arm.

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"Not like this you won't. And don't forget, we are supposed to be brother and sister."

"Ah yes." He dropped his arm. "What a shame."

Tashi shared a bed that night with Yelena. They locked themselves in a little room at the top of

the inn, leaving the men sleeping in a dormitory on the floor below. "The house is packed with

soldiers," Yelena said as she brushed Tashi's coppery hair for her. "Most are on their way north.

It seems that Fergox is strengthening the garrisons on the road to protect his convoys."

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"Yes, that's what I would do in his position," murmured Tashi as she took the brush and returned the favor for Yelena, sweeping the girl's long dark hair into a plait for the night.

Yelena yawned. "Looking at you, I forget that when you say these things, you actually do have

men and navies and things to order. You look no older than my little sister. How old are you?"

"Sixteen."

"Then you're younger than she is! I find it incredible."

Tashi climbed into bed, pulling the covers up to her chin. "So do I. Every day. But what I find

more incredible is that you can fight hand to hand like you do."

Yelena shrugged. "Takes practice, that's all."

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"Do you think you could show me?" Tashi asked tentatively. "I've been in quite a few situations recently where I could have used some clever moves."

"Yes, like in Felixholt." Yelena nodded sympathetically.

"Actually, I was thinking about when Merl trapped me in the stables."

"Oh, I see." Yelena hid her amusement. "In that case, we'll start tomorrow as soon as we're clear of here. I think I'll enjoy that–my first pupil and she's a princess."

"Goat-girl turned princess," Tashi amended. "That sounds a bit less exalted."

Yelena poked her in the ribs. "Don't spoil it. I want my friends to be jealous."

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